Lymphoma in dogs & bleeding through the nose

JayL

Lymphoma is one of the most common cancers in dogs, according to CanineCancer.com. It accounts for approximately 10 to 20 per cent of all cancers in dogs. Canine lymphoma can affect dogs of any breed or age, though it is most commonly found in middle-age or older dogs. Canine nose bleeds can also affect any breed, and may be indicative of an environmental problem or the result of a more serious health issue.

Loading ...

Symptoms

Symptoms of canine lymphoma include abnormal lumps in the abdomen, back, neck and armpit, according to the Canine Lymphoma Guide. Other symptoms include loss of appetite, vomiting, fever and weight loss. According to dog-health-guide.org, symptoms of canine nose bleeding include sneezing and discharge from the dog's nose. Symptoms can also include breathing difficulties and snoring.

Diagnosis

Diagnosing the presence of lymphoma in canines consists first of a visual examination of the suspected tumour. If the veterinarian determines there is a possible tumour, a further urinalysis and blood sample may be taken. For canine nose bleeds, blood tests determine if the problem is confined to the the dog's nose or is part of a more serious problem. Further testing can be done by inserting an endoscope into the canine's nose and taking a biopsy, according to The Dog Health Guide.

Treatment

The most common treatment for canine lymphoma is chemotherapy, which involves using powerful drugs to destroy the cancer cells, according to the Washington State University College of Veterinary Medicine. The chemotherapy also can damage healthy cells in the process. Radiation is typically used in conjunction with chemotherapy. Treatment for canine nose bleeds depends on the cause of the affliction. If the nose bleed is the result of an infection, treatment from a veterinarian will be effective. If the nose bleed is a result of a tumour, surgery paired with chemotherapy and radiation may be necessary to treat the disease.

Prognosis

The prognosis for dogs with canine lymphoma depends on the stage in which the cancer was detected. Dogs that were more seriously ill at the time of diagnosis have a poorer prognosis than those who had their cancers detected early. With chemotherapy and radiation, the cancer can be put in remission for up to nine months. Most canines can be expected to live one year after a lymphoma diagnosis, according to the Washington State University College of Veterinary Medicine. The prognosis for dogs with nose bleeds caused by infections or environmental issues is good. Most canines make a full recovery. Canines that had nose bleeds as a result of a cancerous tumour usually live about one year.

Prevention/Solution

Since genetics may play a part in the development of lymphoma in canines, prevention is difficult, according to CanineCancer.com. Preventive measures such as maintaining a healthy lifestyle and diet may decrease the likelihood of canine lymphoma. Canine nose bleeds can be prevented by maintaining a healthy environment for your dog.